Cruising the Rivieras of Italy, France, and Spain

Cruise along famous Mediterranean rivieras from Rome to Barcelona and explore hidden gems and cosmopolitan haunts of the rich and famous. During your voyage, you'll be immersed in the area's dynamic history, inimitable art and culture, and stunning scenery.

TOUR BROCHURE

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

SPECIAL OFFER

Save $1,000 when you book by March 6, 2015!

Cruise for seven nights from Rome to Barcelona aboard the exclusively chartered, five-star M.V. Tere Moana, relaunched in 2013 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and featuring only 45 deluxe Staterooms. This unique, comprehensive itinerary immerses you in the dynamic history, inimitable art and culture and sun-drenched landscapes of the French and Italian rivieras and islands. Visit up to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Carcassone. Explore Corsica’s fortified town of Bonifacio and Sardinia’s dazzling Costa Smeralda. Visit Florence and Italy’s Cinque Terre. Along the enchanting Côte d’Azur, enjoy specially arranged excursions in Monte Carlo, Cannes and Nice. Rome Pre-Cruise and Barcelona Post-Cruise Options also available.

Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 — U.S., Civitavecchia, Italy

​Depart the U.S. Upon arrival in Italy, embark the Five-Star M.V. TERE MOANA. Join your traveling companions for the Captain’s Welcome Reception. (R,D)

Dock in the ancient town of Bonifacio, overlooking the sparkling harbor from sheer white limestone cliffs at the southern tip of the island of Corsica. This beautiful port’s fundamentally French character bears a strong Italian imprint, manifest in the islanders’ French-Italian dialect. Transfer by small train for the excursion featuring a walk through the medieval Old Town. Stroll the Rue des Deux-Empereurs, where Charles V and Napoleon once lodged, and see the Gothic Church of St-Dominique and the famous Grain de Sable limestone formation.

Enjoy the rolling Tuscan landscape of vineyards and cypresses en route to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of unparalleled achievements in art, architecture and literature. Admire Brunelleschi’s soaring dome; Ghiberti’s moving “Doors of Paradise,” depicting scenes from the Old Testament in cast bronze; and Michelangelo’s David, considered one of his crowning achievements.

Alternatively, visit the beautifully preserved medieval cities of Lucca and Pisa, just a short, scenic drive from Livorno. Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli showcases the legendary Leaning Tower, the impressive 11th-century Duomo and the largest baptistery in Italy. Lucca’s intact Renaissance city walls are now a promenade for pedestrians, and its elaborate 11th-century Cattedrale di San Martino is still an important symbol of the city. (B,D)

Day 5 — Porto Venere for Cinque Terre, Portofino

From Porto Venere’s small harbor, board a private boat cruise and dock in the villages of the Cinque Terre. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a series of five fishing villages with lovely pastel homes clinging to remote cliffs that jut into the Ligurian Sea. Discover the spectacular nuances of the towns of Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza, linked by a walking path that offers marvelous views of the charming coves, hidden beaches and terraced vineyards that produce the famous dessert wine Sciacchetrà.

Portofino is the perfect village for a leisurely afternoon on the Italian Riviera. Visit the 17th-century San Giorgio Church, home to the relics of this dragon-slaying saint; stroll the pedestrian-only streets; or sip a cappuccino in an outdoor café. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Monte Carlo, Monaco

The principality of Monaco’s dazzling historic district, Monte Carlo, offers an intoxicating mixture of princely sights and Casino Royale intrigue and is famous for its Grand Casino. Admire the legendary belle-époque architecture and enjoy a walking tour on the Rock of Monaco. See the changing of the guards at the Prince’s Palace, home of Europe’s longest-reigning dynasty, and the neo-Romanesque Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where Princess Grace is interred. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Nice, France, Cannes

One of the oldest human settlements in the world with archeological sites dating to the Lower Paleolithic period, Nice remains rich in its traditions and centuries-old culture. This capital of the Côte d’Azure is bursting with the colors that inspired Chagall and Matisse: the azure waters of the Mediterranean, terra-cotta roofs, ocher and yellow houses, emerald green gardens, budding flower markets and marbled tile squares of Baroque and French theaters. Visit the Musée Marc-Chagall, home to the largest collection of the artist’s works, including the 17-canvas Biblical Message, and stroll the outdoor flower market. Reboard the ship for lunch and cruise to Cannes.

Settled as a fishing village by monks, Cannes today is the quintessence of dazzling Riviera allure and host of the international film festival. Follow the picturesque, palm-lined La Croisette promenade to the medieval lanes, churches and castle of Le Suquet, and visit nearby Vallauris, where Pablo Picasso discovered his passion for ceramics. See the bay of Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon Bonaparte landed after his escape from exile and began his 100-day reign that ended at Waterloo.

Join the Captain for a Farewell Reception this evening. (B,R,D)

Day 8 — Carcassonne

Settled on the frontier between France and Spain along ancient trade routes linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula, the medieval core of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been occupied since the 6th century B.C., fortified by the Romans, conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century, overrun by Persians in the 7th century, and repelled centuries of invading Franks and hoards of Barbarians, who each left their indelible influence on the extraordinary architectural and artistic heritage of the city. Walk the cobblestone streets, admire the drawbridges and watchtowers, and enjoy the joyous ringing of bells that evoke the gothic and medieval past of Carcassonne.

After lunch on your own, visit the Romanesque Abbey of Fontfroide. (B,D)

Day 9 — Barcelona, Spain, U.S.

Disembark and continue on the Barcelona Post-Cruise Option, or depart for the U.S.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Options and Optional Excursions are available at additional cost. Details will be included with your reservation confirmation.